Politehnica put an end to their two defeats this spring season with a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Dinamo in Bucharest. The result was necessary, but not enough to get the red and white team out of the play-off.

Timisoara started with D. Moldovan (in goal) and T. Calin in the starting line-up for the first time.

As early as 1:40, the hosts sent the ball into the goal, but it was clear offside. Ex-Stellar player Benzar is injured and has to be replaced in the 17th minute.

The first chance of the match is not noticed until the 36th minute. Two consecutive shots by the hosts, blocked by the opposing defenders. From the resulting corner, captain Patriche sends it wide. In the 44th minute, Bîrnoi has a great chance, he passes in front of the goal, but Stojanovic doesn’t reach the ball.

The opening goal comes in the 45th minute. The Spaniard Iglesias takes advantage of a bad save by the goalkeeper (who is disturbed by a teammate) and shoots from the penalty area. 1-0 for Dinamo and it’s off to the dressing room.

Just a minute after the restart, the hosts also make a change due to injury (N. Rosu).

Two good chances (in the 63rd minute – Bîrnoi shoots, the ball is deflected and held by Oncescu – and in the 74th minute, T. Călin’s header catches the goalkeeper) announce the equaliser.

The newcomer Oanea catches a shot from 20 m to the left, it’s 1-1 and it’s the 81st minute!

Two minutes later, Serbian stopper Sekulic is sent off for two yellow cards. Poli also have a chance in the 85th minute, shot over by top scorer Gavra. The hosts have the last two chances in the last two minutes of extra time through Bani (90+4, shot wide) and ex-Polist Al. Pop (90+5, fails to put into the goal, blocked by Moldovan).

The white-violet players (now again in reserve kit) go to greet their fans posted at the lawn of the Cașin Monastery. The play-out is next and the race for salvation continues.

Politehnica: D. Moldovan – D. Radu, Bocșan (c), Sekulic, Taub – Gîdea (64, Oanea), Tiihonen, T. Călin (85, Porumb), Bîrnoi (64, Ignea) – D. Benzar (17, Stojanovic), Gavra (85, Târșa) Reserves: Murariu – A. Mada, Marincu, Țurcaș. Coach: Octavian Benga.

Dinamo: Oncescu – Moura, Giafer, Patriche (c), Amzar – Iglesias, Larrucea, N. Rosu (47, Țîră) – Borcea (67, Ghezali), I. Rosu (84, Al. Pop), Bani. Reserves: Dujmovic – Bena, Demici, David Irimia, Delciu, A. Florescu. Coach: Ovidiu Burcă

Statement at the end by coach Octavian Benga: “In the first half, we recovered a lot of balls, unfortunately we were not inspired, because we could have taken a 1-0 lead at half-time, after Bîrnoi’s chance. We had a dip at the start of the second half, but I think the changes were successful and inspired and, overall, I think it’s a fair score. I’m glad we got this point, because there’s an extraordinary adversity of all the Poles and all the people from Banana, because the vast majority of the people from Banana are anti-Dinamo. I want to dedicate this point to them. I congratulate Ovidiu Burcă, he is my friend and his work shows. Both of us came in very difficult situations. Both Poli and Dinamo are suffering financially. It was a successful match also thanks to the spectators. We are fighting to the end.”